Bechtel is providing a wide variety project and contract management services, crossing all disciplines, to customers in Western Australia to support exciting capital works programmes, including in aviation, defence and energy infrastructure. We are looking for people to join us in a long-term relationship to deliver these services in and around Perth where we are working within integrated teams with our customers and to help build Bechtel’s capabilities for even greater opportunities in the future.
Job Summary
The Principal Forensic Planning Manager is a senior leadership position within the Project Controls and Commercial function, responsible for leading all aspects of forensic planning, delay analysis, scheduling governance, claims management, and dispute resolution across a portfolio of major projects.
The role provides strategic direction to project controls, commercial, legal, and executive teams in the assessment and defence of complex contractor and client claims involving extensions of time, disruption, acceleration, productivity loss, and associated cost impacts.
The successful candidate will be recognised as a subject matter expert in forensic planning and delay analysis and will be capable of leading multidisciplinary teams through complex commercial and contractual matters while providing authoritative advice to executive stakeholders.
Major Responsibilities
Lead the forensic planning and delay analysis function across a portfolio of major capital projects.
Direct the assessment, quantification, and entitlement evaluation of complex delay, disruption, acceleration, and productivity claims with significant commercial exposure.
Develop and implement strategic frameworks, governance standards, methodologies, and procedures for forensic schedule analysis, claims management, and schedule risk mitigation.
Provide expert advice to senior leadership, commercial management, legal counsel, and project directors on matters related to schedule entitlement, contractual obligations, and dispute avoidance.
Lead the preparation and review of forensic delay analyses using recognised methodologies, including:
Time Impact Analysis (TIA)
Window Analysis
Impacted As-Planned
As-Built Critical Path Analysis
Collapsed As-Built Analysis
Act as the primary interface with legal advisers, dispute resolution professionals, and external consultants in support of arbitration, mediation, adjudication, expert determination, and litigation proceedings.
Review, validate, and endorse forensic reports prepared internally or by external consultants, ensuring technical accuracy, contractual alignment, and defensibility.
Provide expert witness support and contribute to preparation of expert evidence and testimony where required.
Establish and maintain executive-level reporting on major claims, schedule risks, change events, and dispute exposures.
Lead multidisciplinary investigations into major project delays and performance issues, identifying root causes, contractual liabilities, and recovery opportunities.
Provide strategic direction for schedule improvement initiatives and portfolio-wide schedule assurance programs.
Oversee the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of planning standards, work instructions, templates, governance frameworks, and assurance processes.
Education and Experience Requirements
Requires bachelor's or master's degree (or international equivalent) and 13-15 years of relevant experience or 17-19 years of relevant work experience.
Required Knowledge and Skills
Expert knowledge of
Primavera P6
Acumen Fuse
Safran Risk
Schedule Risk Analysis techniques
Delay and disruption analysis methodologies
Earned Value Management (EVM)
Change management and commercial governance
Advanced understanding of
AACE International Recommended Practices
Society of Construction Law (SCL) Delay and Disruption Protocol
Industry case law relating to delay and disruption claims
Critical Path Method scheduling
Construction law and contract administration
Subcontract schedule governance, progress validation, and claims substantiation requirements
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, quantity Surveying, project management, or related discipline.
Professional certifications such as
PSP (Planning & Scheduling Professional)
CCP (Certified Cost Professional
MRICS / FRICS
PMI-SP
AACE Certifications
Total Rewards/Benefits
For decades, Bechtel has worked to inspire the next generation of employees and beyond! Because our teams face some of the world's toughest challenges, we offer robust benefits to ensure our people thrive. Whether it is advancing careers, delivering programs to enhance our culture, or providing time to recharge, Bechtel has the benefits to build a legacy of sustainable growth. Learn more at Bechtel Total Rewards
Diverse teams build the extraordinary
As a global company, Bechtel has long been home to a vibrant multitude of nationalities, cultures, ethnicities, and life experiences. This diversity has made us a more trusted partner, more effective problem solvers and innovators, and a more attractive destination for leading talent.
We are committed to being a company where every colleague feels that they belong-where colleagues feel part of "One Team," respected and rewarded for what they bring, supported in pursuing their goals, invested in our values and purpose, and treated equitably. Click here to learn more about the people who power our legacy.
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Bechtel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, disability, citizenship status (except as authorized by law), protected veteran status, genetic information, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Applicants with a disability, who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, may e-mail their request to acesstmt@bechtel.com
